Allergy-Induced Asthma Treatment

Most asthma patients have an underlying allergy trigger, causing asthmatic symptoms. Read on to learn more about allergy-induced asthma and speak with a medical professional at Impact Medical today.

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What is Allergy-Induced Asthma?

Allergy-induced asthma is triggered by underlying allergy exposure. Identifying and controlling exposure to the identified triggers are a foundation in treating asthma. These allergies often include environmental or indoor irritants.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergy-Induced Asthma?

It’s important for individuals who experience these allergy-induced asthma symptoms to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis.

Shortness of Breath

A common symptom characterized by difficulty breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air

Coughing

Frequent coughing, especially at night or in the early morning, is a classic asthma symptom

Wheezing

High-pitched, whistling sounds while breathing, commonly associated with asthma due to narrowed airways

Chest Pain

Discomfort or aching in the chest, which can occur during an asthma attack but may also have other causes

Chest Tightness

A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest often associated with asthma, making breathing uncomfortable

Chest Heaviness

A sense of weight or pressure in the chest, typically linked to asthma symptoms

Chest Squeezing

A gripping or constricting feeling in the chest, often experienced during an asthma attack

Shortness of Breath with Activity

Experiencing breathing difficulties during physical exertion or exercise due to asthma triggers

What Causes Allergy-Induced Asthma?

Allergy-induced asthma is often caused by exposure to an environmental allergy. These causes include:

  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander
  • Mold spores
  • Pollens
  • Cockroaches

Diagnosing & Treating Allergy-Induced Asthma

Medical History & Physical Exam

Gathering a thorough medical history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination are pivotal steps in diagnosing and managing asthma effectively.

Diagnostic Testing

Your medical provider will conduct pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and DLCO and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as diagnostics tests for asthma. If necessary, additional testing, such as a chest x-ray or a methacholine challenge may also be obtained.

Treatment

Allergy-induced asthma treatment recommendations will be determined based on the level of severity of your diagnosis.

How to Get Tested for Allergy-Induced Asthma

Spirometry
Spirometry is a breathing test that evaluates the function of your lungs by measuring airflow in order to diagnose asthma.
Lung Volumes
This measures the volume of air in the lungs during different phases of respiratory cycle or with different maneuvers.
DLCO
Diffusing Capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide. This is a measurement that assesses the lungs’ ability to transfer gas to and from the inhaled air into the capillaries that line the alveoli in the lungs.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) is a test approved to help assess asthma control. It measures the gas called Nitric Oxide in your breath, which is a marker of inflammation in the lungs.

How Do You Treat Allergy-Induced Asthma?

At Impact Medical, treatment recommendations are based on the severity of allergy-induced asthma. Learn more about some of the treatment options available for asthma below.
Rescue Medications
You should have a rescue inhaler readily available and used only as needed to provide temporary relief of asthma symptoms.
Maintenance Medications
Maintenance medications may be prescribed for regular use to decrease airway inflammation, minimize asthma symptoms, and prevent asthma exacerbation.
Allergen Immunotherapy
For patients who are not able to be taken off daily medications or remain poorly controlled despite medications, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be suitable treatment.

Allergy-Induced Asthma FAQs

Environmental and seasonal allergies are the most common triggers for asthmatic symptoms. These allergies include:

  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander
  • Mold spores
  • Pollens
  • Cockroaches

Although there is no known reason for asthma, it can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, allergies, exposure to smoke, or physical activity.

Yes, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be used to treat allergy-induced asthma because they make your body less sensitive to allergens that trigger asthmatic symptoms for environmental allergies.

Experience relief from allergy-induced asthma today.